Traditional Saudi Dishes to Try During Your Trip

Saudi Arabia is a land of deep-rooted traditions, Islamic culture, Arabian heritage and its cuisine is no exception. Steeped in Islamic hospitality and culture, Saudi cuisine weaves a rich tapestry of flavours, aromas, and timeless traditions.

For first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike, tasting Saudi Arabia's traditional dishes isn’t just a meal; it’s like experiencing the culture in itself. Whether you are travelling to perform Hajj and Umrah or for a family trip, experiencing Saudi cuisine will enrich your journey.

You should try these ten traditional Saudi dishes to experience the true flavours of Saudi Arabia’s deep culinary traditions.​​​​​​​

Kabsa- National Dish Of Saudi Arabia

Do you know Kabsa is the national dish and the heart of Saudi's dining tables? It consists of aromatic rice cooked with a blend of spices like saffron, cardamom, cloves and more. Prepared with chicken, lamb or even camel meat, the secret to the taste of Kabsa lies in its spices and slow-cooking process.

It is often served family-style on large platters. Sharing Kabsa is an experience of Saudi generosity and warmth.​​​​​​​

Jareesh- The Hearty Comfort Food

Jareesh is cracked wheat cooked with lamb meat and has a subtle mix of spices. People often call it "Saudi porridge." It tastes earthy and is light, simple and nutritious to eat. Jareesh is popular in Najd and the central areas.

Saudi families love to serve it during get-togethers and religious occasions. Jareesh is one of the traditional Saudi dishes that you must try during your trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.​​​​​​​

Mutabbaq-The Stuffed Delight

Mutabbaq is a popular street food across all Saudi cities. It is a savoury stuffed pastry filled with minced meat, vegetables and spices. Many do variations with cheese and vegetables, but it is everyone's favourite snack option.​

Mutabbaq is served with a side of yoghurt or a tangy sauce, which complements the richness of the pancake perfectly. It is recommended to try this snack at local souks and roadside stalls as they serve the crispiest and freshest ones.​​​​​​​

Margoog-The Ultimate Comfort Stew

Margoog is a traditional Saudi dish, which is a stew made with chicken, but mostly with lamb meat; it's a prominent dish in Saudi Arabian cuisine. It consists of vegetables, meat, and savoury dumplings made from whole wheat flour. This delicious and incredibly flavorful dish is especially loved in Riyadh and its nearby areas.

While recipes vary, this authentic stew often features lamb meat with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, carrots, cauliflower, aubergine, and pumpkin. Easily available in most of the local restaurants.​​​​​​​

Saleeg – The Creamy Rice & Chicken Dish

Saudi people love Saleeg- a chicken and rice dish, featuring creamy rice served with roasted chicken. This traditional Saudi dish originates from the Hijaz region. The creamy rice dish is cooked with milk and butter. People often top it with roasted or grilled chicken.

Saleeg doesn't have many spices but has a rich taste. It offers a comforting alternative to the heavily spicy foods found in other places. Families often eat this dish during big celebrations and festive times.​​​​​​​

Madfoon-The Smoky Sensation

If you are in Saudi Arabia, one of the dishes we would highly recommend is Madfoon-smoky, authentic and divinely delicious. Madfoon is made using an ancient Arabian technique of first wrapping the meat in foil and then burying it in an underground pit filled with charcoal and sand.

The result? You get incredibly tender meat that's soaked in a deep, smoky taste that you won't be able to get with modern cooking methods. It is served with aromatic rice. You should definitely try this dish during your Hajj and Umrah journey.

Note: For the best experience, you should look for restaurants offering Madfoon made using traditional cooking methods. Underground ovens give you the smoke and genuine flavour.

Shawarma – Spiced Rotisserie Meat Wrap

We all love shawarma, don't we? But do you know that Middle Eastern countries are where you get the best shawarma? Countries like Saudi Arabia offer shawarma with a unique twist, such as goat or camel meat shawarma. They not only serve in just pita bread, but you will also get baguettes and hot dog buns versions.

Slices of beef, lamb, or chicken roasted on a spinning vertical spit. The meat gets shaved into fresh Arabic bread and comes with sauce, pickles, and veggies. The strong garlic sauces, flavorful marinades, and satisfying taste make it a must-have street food throughout the Kingdom.

Note: Shawarma is not considered a traditional Saudi dish; however, it is among the most popular dishes in the Kingdom, which everyone should try once.

Hininy-The Sweet Heritage Dessert

A dessert that captures the essence of Najdi culture, Hininy is made up of a blend of fresh dates, brown bread, butter, and spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. People often make this hearty treat during the cooler season, giving a real taste of Saudi hospitality and homemade comfort. It's not only tasty but also super nourishing.

Saudi Coffee and Dates- The Symbol Of Hospitality

Your visit to Saudi Arabia is incomplete without experiencing the rituals of Arabic coffee (Gahwa) served alongside dates. The Gahwa consist of roasted coffee and spices like cloves, cardamom and saffron. It's refreshing, tasty and healthy as well. Offering Saudi coffee with fresh dates is a symbol of friendship and respect.

Etiquette Tip: Always accept the cup with your right hand. When you're done, give the cup a little shake to show you don't want a refill.

Savouring Saudi Arabia: Beyond Just a Meal

Trying traditional Saudi dishes goes beyond pleasing your taste buds—it connects you to the Kingdom's deep history, diverse regions, warmth and hospitality. Each spice, cooking technique, and serving tradition tells a story of kindness and belief.

When you visit Saudi Arabia, diving into its culinary landscape will make your trip more special. You'll get to know the culture better, and your vacation will become memorable for years to come.​​​​​​​

Experience Saudi Arabia Beyond The Pilgrimage with Itimaar

At Itimaar, we believe your Hajj or Umrah journey should be spiritually fulfilling and culturally enriching. Alongside carefully curated pilgrimage packages, we guide UK pilgrims in experiencing the authentic side of Saudi Arabia, from visiting historical Islamic landmarks to discovering traditional Saudi dishes and local hospitality.